Protective mask drinking tube coupling device and method of use

Abstract

A coupling device is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container. The device includes a punch at one end, a central body, and a capture port at the other end of the central body. The punch punctures a wall of a fluid container. Drinking fluid flows into the central body. The drinking tube is inserted into the port to allow one to drink fluid from the container. The device allows one wearing a protective suit in a contaminated environment to obtain drinking fluid from a standard, commercially-available container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a coupling device for connecting a drinking tube of a protective mask with a standard, commercially-available drinking fluid container. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] Protective suits worn by individuals in hazardous or contaminated environments often include head coverings with protective masks. Governments, militaries, and private industries have developed such protective masks and suits in an attempt to allow personnel to function in areas where there may be nuclear, biological, or chemical contamination. These protective masks and suits are hot to wear. As a result, major problems for the wearers of such protective masks and suits include rapid and potentially life-threatening dehydration and associated elevated core body temperature, which necessitate frequent fluid intake. [0005] Many masks, such as the “M” series protective type, have drinking tubes that allow the mask wearer to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a device that allows a person wearing a protective mask to drink from a standard fluid container without contaminating themselves or the fluid. The device includes a cylindrical body with a sharp tip for puncturing the container's wall and a capture port for inserting a drinking tube from the mask. The device can be secured to the container in various ways, such as with a threaded portion or annular ridges. A gasket seals the connection between the device and the container. A valve controls fluid flow between the punch and the port. The invention allows for easy and safe access to fluid from a standard container while wearing a protective mask."

Problems solved by technology

These protective masks and suits are hot to wear.

As a result, major problems for the wearers of such protective masks and suits include rapid and potentially life-threatening dehydration and associated elevated core body temperature, which necessitate frequent fluid intake.

However, the canteen sources have a limited volume, and are very difficult to safely refill in a contaminated area.

From a military standpoint, as well as a Post-9 / 11 First Responder perspective, this is not only dangerous, but also impractical.

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